Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Closeup of a male Doctor or physiotherapist doing stretching for a patient in the clinic for examining treating injured of back stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 22, 2022

Not usually, but there are exceptions

Medicare does not typically cover chiropractic visits unless they are deemed medically necessary. In this case, Medicare will cover up to 12 chiropractic visits per year if the services are prescribed by your doctor. For these covered visits, you may be able to receive reimbursement for a portion of the cost.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What services are typically covered by Medicare?

Medicare will typically cover chiropractic visits to treat neuromusculoskeletal problems like neck and back pain. Medicare may also cover certain specialized treatments, such as spinal manipulation or physical therapy.

What services are usually not covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not usually cover routine chiropractic visits, including visits for preventive care. Medicare also does not cover services that are not medically necessary, such as massage therapy or acupuncture.

What types of chiropractic visits may be covered by Medicare?

Medicare may cover chiropractic visits for the treatment of specific medical conditions, including the following:

Visits to treat spinal subluxations or pain in the neck and back. The services must be prescribed by your doctor in order for Medicare to consider them medically necessary.
Chiropractic x-rays if they are medically necessary to diagnose a condition or to guide treatment.
Chiropractic evaluation and management services if they are medically necessary to diagnose and treat a medical condition.

How to get reimbursed for medically necessary chiropractic care through Medicare

If you have Medicare and need chiropractic care for a medically necessary condition, then you may be able to get reimbursed for some of the cost. Keep in mind that you must meet certain guidelines to be eligible for reimbursement:

You must have a doctor’s prescription for the services. Your doctor must provide proof that the services are medically necessary.
You must use a Medicare-approved provider for the services.
You must pay your share of the cost, such as deductibles and coinsurance.

If you meet all the requirements, you may receive reimbursement for at least some of the cost. Be sure to keep all receipts and other documentation of your chiropractic visits to submit them for reimbursement.

Tips for finding a provider that accepts Medicare

If you need to find a provider that accepts Medicare, several resources are available. You can search online for providers in your area or call the Medicare hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Takeaway

Overall, Medicare typically does not cover chiropractic services. However, if you have a medically necessary condition that requires chiropractic treatment, then it may be possible to get at least some of the costs reimbursed by Medicare. Check with your doctor before pursuing any treatment, including chiropractic care. This content is for informational purposes only. Call Fair Square Medicare for all your Medicare questions. Our team of experts is here for you.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

888-572-6033

[email protected]

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2023

•

Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Not usually, but there are exceptions

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What services are typically covered by Medicare?

What services are usually not covered by Medicare?

What types of chiropractic visits may be covered by Medicare?

How to get reimbursed for medically necessary chiropractic care through Medicare

Tips for finding a provider that accepts Medicare

Takeaway

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Recommended Articles

More of our articles

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans